1-2-3 Magic

  • Published
  • By Mrs. Elaine Park
  • Family Advocacy
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Magic happened for me as quickly as I could say "that's one, that's two, that's three, time out." 

As a stay-at-home Mom of three healthy, rambunctious children ages four and under, I was looking for something that would help my children (especially my four year-old) chill-out on tantrums, listen, and behave appropriately. Little did I know that there is program that would cure (okay, almost...) the intensity and frequency of my children's tantrums. 

Then I found out about 1-2-3 Magic. It's a class available through Family Advocacy for parents with younger children (ages two through ten), designed to bring practical, easy-to-use discipline methods into your home. The class is taught in three sessions.
On the first day of class, we were given the 1-2-3 Magic book. I read the book cover to cover, and now that the book is mine, I can easily go back and review or read up on new tricks to try as my children get older and present with more complex behaviors. 

1-2-3 Magic put a simple script in place for me when the whining, crying, and arguing began. The program only works when the adult in charge ceases using any other words or actions than a calm "that's one...that's two...that's three, time out." Thus, my attempts to rationalize with these three, underdeveloped brains have ceased, and their whining, crying, and arguing have decreased dramatically. 

My husband came on board with me right away, and we both adopted 1-2-3 Magic as our family's behavior management program. Our children know they need to stop what they are doing when they hear "that's one." Our four year-old typically says "I don't want to get to three, Mommy," and stops doing what he was doing. It's easy because everyone knows what's expected--the rules are consistent and fair. 

Now that I've implemented 1-2-3 Magic, life at home is nicer. It's not perfect, and my children and their behaviors are still far from perfect. I do have my moments when I yell or scold more harshly than necessary. But those moments are MUCH fewer and farther between now.

For any parent out there who is scratching their head about how to help their children's behavior to improve at home, I highly recommend this program. We hope that for you it's as easy as 1-2-3, too! 

For more information about 1-2-3 Magic, contact Family Advocacy at 377-4041 or 377-4042.